Pre-apprenticeship programme launched in New York to bridge K-12 to high-tech careers
On Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day in the USA, the National Institute for Innovation and Technology (NIIT) launched its Gateway to Apprenticeship Programme (GAP).
The GAP initiative, developed in partnership with the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), is designed to prepare students from the K-12 system for immediate employment after high school, with the opportunity for further education through community colleges.
It plans to to create direct pathways from education to careers in sectors like semiconductor and advanced manufacturing.
The programme integrates pre-apprenticeship training within high school CTE programmes to prepare students for skilled positions in growing industries while providing a foundation for ongoing professional development through Registered Apprenticeships.
The first implementation of GAP is taking place at a CTE centre operated by Capital Region BOCES, setting a precedent for potential expansion across upstate New York and nationally. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance vocational training and align educational outcomes with workforce demands.
Mike Russo, President and CEO of the National Institute for Innovation and Technology, commented:
"With today's launch of the Gateway to Apprenticeship Program, we are celebrating the partnership—and leadership—of Capital Region BOCES in developing an innovative approach to make CTE education a 'pre-apprenticeship at scale.'
“We are also celebrating these students' commitment to their futures in what are critically important industries, and we are doubling down on our promise to equip them with the tools they need for success. GAP is a testament to our commitment to education that meets economic needs, ensuring a seamless transition from classroom to career."
